Higashino Sumiyoshi Matsuri is the summer matsuri of Sumiyoshi Shrine in Osakikamijima-cho, a town on an island in the Seto Inland Sea. The Kaidenma kyoso rowing boat race has been a feature of the matsuri since the Edo period. Four boats are elected from four areas of the island, and locals fight for the prestige of their region as they race each other on a range of courses. Eighteen people ride each boat, including the rowers, captain and drummers. The sound of the drumming, the loud shouts and the brave handling of the boats bring to mind the glory of old naval fleets.